User manual TAPCO SQUEEZ

CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2 GATE -50 -70 OFF dBu CLOSE COMPRESSOR / LIMITER -20 0 -30 1.5 -10 0 +10 AIR 1 2 -14 3 -20 dB -6 0 +6 GAIN REDUCTION(dB) 30 CH 1 20 15 10 6 4 2 1 GATE -50 -70 -30 -15 -20 0 -30 1.5 +10 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER -10 0 +10 AIR 1 2 -14 3 -20 dB -6 0 +6 -30 -15 2 2.5 5 10 81 50 100 0.3 150 0.1 0.5 2 2.5 5 10 81 50 100 0.3 150 0.1 0.5 ON +14 BY + 14 CH 2 OFF FULL +10 -40 dBu +20 1 n:1 LIM 0.1 ms 200 50ms sec +20 AUTO CH 1 IN AUTO CH 2 IN OFF dBu -40 dBu +20 1 n:1 LIM 0.1 ms 200 50ms sec +20 OFF FULL SQ·2 POWER AUTO RATIO ATTACK IN/OUT CHAN 1 RELEASE OUTPUT IN/OUT CLOSE AUTO RATIO ATTACK IN/OUT CHAN 2 RELEASE OUTPUT IN/OUT THRESHOLD THRESHOLD LEVEL THRESHOLD THRESHOLD LEVEL AC 100-120V, 60Hz AC 200-240V, 50HZ RATED INPUT: 12.5W SERIAL /DATE CODE OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND AC FUSE T 0.315A WWW.TAPCOGEAR.COM BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GROOVY FOLKS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA MANUFACTURED IN CHINA · "TAPCO" AND "MACKIE" ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. · COPYRIGHT ©2003 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1 by CAUTION AVIS 8. RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL Heat -- This product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, or other devices which produce heat. Power Sources -- This product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in these operation instructions or as marked on this product. 9. ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE. AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil. 10. Power Cord Protection -- Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit this product. 11. Object and Liquid Entry -- Care should be taken so that objects do not fall on, and liquids are not spilled into, this product. 12. Damage Requiring Service -- This product should be serviced only by qualified service personnel when: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this product; or C. This product has been exposed to rain; or D. This product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. This product has been dropped, or its chassis damaged. 13. Servicing -- The user should not attempt to service this product beyond those means described in this operating manual. All other servicing should be referred to the Tapco Service Department. 14. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure. Pour préevenir les chocs électriques ne pas utiliser cette fiche polariseé avec un prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent être insérées à fond sans laisser aucune pariie à découvert. 15. Grounding or Polarization -- Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of this product is not defeated. 16. Power Precaution -- Unplug this product during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. ATTENTION --Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Read Instructions -- All the safety and operation instructions should be read before this product is operated. Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating instructions should be kept for future reference. Heed Warnings -- All warnings on this product and in these operating instructions should be followed. Follow Instructions -- All operating and other instructions should be followed. Water and Moisture -- This product should not be used near water ­ for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc. Cleaning -- Clean only with a dry cloth. Ventilation -- This product should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the Component should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block any ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through ventilation openings. 6. 7. PORTABLE CART WARNING Carts and stands - The Component should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. A Component and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the Component and cart combination to overturn. WARNING -- To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. 2 18. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart. According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here. Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, In Hours Slow Response 8 6 4 3 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.25 or less 90 92 95 97 100 102 105 110 115 Typical Example Packed garage concert VW Bus Peace Train Cranked psychedelic tunes High speed chase on C.H.I.P.s Loudest parts at a Heavy Metal concert What me, read a manual? Before you begin, please make sure you read the Safety Instructions on page 2 and Getting Started on page 4. Your new TAPCO® SQ·2 is designed to set up quickly and operate easily. We know it's often seen as a sign of weakness to read a manual, along with asking for directions when lost, but maybe you can read the rest when nobody is looking. It is important to keep your receipt in a safe place, and not a bad idea to write your product information here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.). Product Serial #: Purchased at: Date of purchase: Part No. 0009426 Rev. A 1/04 ©2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3 Getting Started The following steps will help you set up your SQ·2, and get the levels just right. SETTINGS: 1. Be sure the SQ·2's POWER switch is off. 2. Turn all the controls to their center positions (12 o'clock) and set all the switches out. SET THE CONTROLS: 1. Make sure your signal source is turned up and delivering signal to the SQ·2. The signal should pass through the SQ·2 unaffected because the CHAN 1 and 2 IN/OUT buttons are out and the signal processing circuitry is bypassed. 2. Push in the CHAN 1 and 2 IN/OUT buttons to enable the gate and compressor circuits. If the input signal is above ­10 dBu, the compressor/ limiter will begin working on the signal because the THRESHOLD control is set at ­10 dBu (center position). You should see the GAIN REDUCTION meters indicating the amount of gain reduction being applied to the signal. Turn down the THRESHOLD control to see more compression. 3. If the input signal is below ­30 dBu, the gate will close and attenuate the signal because the THRESHOLD control is set at ­30 dBu (center). Turn down the GATE THRESHOLD control until the gate opens (the CLOSE LED will turn off). 4. Read on to learn how to set each individual control to get the best performance from your SQ·2. CONNECTIONS: 1. Using balanced or unbalanced cables, connect your mixer's main outputs to the SQ·2's inputs, and the SQ·2's outputs to your amplifier's (or powered speakers') inputs. If you are using the SQ·2 in a channel's insert, connect your mixer's channel insert to the SQ·2's INPUTs and OUTPUTs. Refer to page 11 to learn how to connect and use the SIDE CHAIN feature. Note: The SQ·2 Compressor/ LOOK Limiter/Gate is designed to be inserted "in-line" with the signal as a serial device. This means that the CLOSER entire signal is routed through the processor, in contrast to a parallel device where the processed signal is mixed back with the unprocessed signal, like a reverb or echo. 2. Connect the cables using either XLR or 1/4" TRS connectors (balanced), or 1/4" TS connectors (unbalanced). · The XLR and TRS inputs for each channel are wired in parallel. Use only one input per channel. · The XLR and TRS outputs for each channel are wired in parallel. · The balanced XLR connectors are wired as follows: Pin 1 = shield (ground) Pin 2 = hot (+) Pin 3 = cold (­) · The 1/4" TRS connectors are wired as follows: Tip = hot (+) Ring = cold (­) Sleeve = shield (ground) 3. Plug all the sound system components into suitable AC outlets, properly grounded and capable of delivering adequate current. 4. Turn all the equipment on. If you are monitoring the signal through speakers, turn the power amplifier on last to avoid running any pops or thumps through your speakers. Things To Remember: · When you shut down your equipment, turn off the amplifiers first. When powering up, turn on the amplifiers last. · Save the shipping box and packing material! You may need it someday. 4 Contents Safety Instructions................................................................2 Getting Started ....................................................................4 Introduction..........................................................................6 Hookup Diagrams................................................................8 Typical Hookup: In-line with Main Outputs.....................8 Alternate Hookup: Individual Channel or Main Inserts ..8 SQ·2 Features .....................................................................9 FRONT PANEL FEATURES .................................................9 GATE ...........................................................................9 1. THRESHOLD.......................................................9 2. CLOSE LED .......................................................9 COMPRESSOR/LIMITER..............................................9 3. THRESHOLD.......................................................9 4. RATIO.................................................................9 5. ATTACK..............................................................9 6. RELEASE ............................................................9 7. AUTO IN/OUT....................................................9 8. OUTPUT..............................................................9 9. CHAN IN/OUT...................................................9 AIR Filter ...................................................................10 10. LEVEL.............................................................10 11. GAIN REDUCTION Meters.................................10 12. POWER Switch...................................................10 REAR PANEL FEATURES..................................................10 13. Line Cord Socket and Fuse..............................10 14. AC Select Switch ..............................................10 15. OUTPUT ...............................................................11 16. INPUT ..................................................................11 17. SIDE CHAIN .......................................................11 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS .....11 Rack Mounting........................................................11 Thermal Considerations .........................................11 AC Power Considerations......................................11 Appendix A: Service Information ....................................12 Warranty Service ..........................................................12 Troubleshooting ............................................................12 Repair ............................................................................13 Appendix B: Connections ................................................14 Appendix C: Technical Info..............................................15 SQ·2 Specifications ....................................................15 SQ·2 Block Diagram....................................................16 TAPCO LIMITED WARRANTY...............................................19 Don't forget to visit our website at www.tapcogear.com for more information about this and other TAPCO products. 5 Introduction Thank you for choosing a TAPCO® SqueezTM dynamics processor by Mackie®. The TAPCO product line hails back to the days of TAPCO Corporation, Greg Mackie's first company. TAPCO revolutionized the audio industry back in 1969 with the very first 6-channel mixer specifically designed for keyboards and rock `N' roll PA. In essence, TAPCO redefined the price performance ratio and made high-quality professional audio mixers accessible to virtually anyone. Today, TAPCO is reborn with the same ideals and is backed by the world-class engineering and manufacturing horsepower of Mackie. The TAPCO SQ·2 is the first compressor/limiter/gate processor in the TAPCO TAPCO version of Greg by Mackie® family. About Dynamic Processing The human ear has an incredible dynamic range (the difference between the softest and the loudest sounds) and can detect anything from the sound of a butterfly sneeze (0 dB SPL, the threshold of hearing) to the sound of the space shuttle taking off (140 dB SPL, very painful without hearing protection). Audio electronics would like to be able to duplicate this dynamic range, but current technology falls somewhat short. Audio electronics introduces another limitation to dynamic range: noise. Even the best designed audio circuits produce noise due to the physics of electrons moving through conductors and resistors. It's called thermal noise, and produces that low level hiss you hear when you turn the volume controls all the way up on a mixer or on your stereo system at home. An experienced sound engineer knows that the louder the mix, the less perceptible the noise floor, because the louder sounds mask the noise. However, mixing at loud levels brings the signal closer to the point of clipping, where the signal can go no larger. Ideally, you would like to provide 10 to 20 dB of headroom between the nominal operating level and the clipping point, to provide a cushion for transient peaks (bass drum beats and cymbal crashes, for example) to get through without clipping. But then the soft passages may become too quiet and the noise floor becomes a factor. Enter dynamic processing. The Compressor/Limiter Wouldn't it be nice if you could have a hand on the faders and be able to quickly reduce the volume on the bass drum and cymbals every time they approached clipping, then quickly return them to their normal levels? A compressor does exactly that. Set the threshold control to the point where you want the signal to stop getting any louder, and set the ratio control to regulate the amount of attenuation applied to the signal when it goes above the threshold. When the ratio control is turned all the way up, it becomes a limiter and the signal stops getting any louder when it reaches the threshold. The attack and release controls are used to control how fast the compressor kicks in when the signal crosses the threshold and how fast it stops acting on the signal when it drops below the threshold. You can experiment with these controls to get the most natural sound, or simply push in the AUTO button and the SQ·2 automatically adjusts the attack and release according to the dynamics of the signal. TAPCO van (a.k.a. micro bus) 6 The Gate/Expander Typically, a gate is used to turn off a channel when there is no signal to reduce the overall noise level of the mix. When the signal drops below a certain level determined by the threshold control, it is turned off. When the signal comes back up and crosses the threshold, the level returns to normal. One problem with using a gate is that if the threshold is set too low, ambient sounds will cause the gate to turn on and off, which can be audible, and if the threshold is set too high, as a sound fades it will suddenly drop out, resulting in an unatural fade. Downward expansion can help solve this problem. When the signal level falls below the threshold, it is slightly attenuated. The further the signal falls below the threshold, the more it is attenuated. The expander in the SQ·2 automatically adjusts the ratio of the expansion based on the type of program that it sees. The Squeez SeriesTM of processors are powerful and tough. They are designed to withstand the punishing rigors of the road and continue to perform day after day, year after year. Here's a quick glance at the features packed into the SQ·2: · 2-channel compressor/gate with smooth, musical sound · Automatic Soft Knee/Hard Knee curves depending on the compression setting · Adjustable AIR Filter to enhance the high frequencies after compression · Soft Gate/Expander for imperceptible gating · Individual Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls on each channel · Output gain compensation control on each channel to add gain back to the compressed signal · Auto Attack/Release button with indicator on each channel · Individual IN/OUT button with indicator for each channel · Precision 8-segment gain reduction meters · Balanced/unbalanced 1/4" TRS and XLR line input and output jacks · Side Chain connections · Selectable line voltage 7 Hookup Diagrams Typical Hookup: In-line with Main Outputs FROM MIXING CONSOLE LEFT AND RIGHT MAIN OUTPUTS AC~120V/60Hz SERIAL / DATE CODE OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND AC FUSE T 0.315A WWW.TAPCOGEAR.COM BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GROOVY FOLKS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA MANUFACTURED IN CHINA · "TAPCO" AND "MACKIE" ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. · COPYRIGHT ©2003 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1 TO POWER AMPLIFIER OR POWERED SPEAKERS INPUTS Alternate Hookup: Individual Channel or Main Inserts Mono EQ SIDECHAIN PROCESSORS Mono EQ RETURN AC~120V/60Hz SERIAL / DATE CODE OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND AC FUSE T 0.315A WWW.TAPCOGEAR.COM BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GROOVY FOLKS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA MANUFACTURED IN CHINA · "TAPCO" AND "MACKIE" ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. · COPYRIGHT ©2003 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 1 TO CHANNEL OR MAIN INSERT RETURN TO MIXING CONSOLE TO CHANNEL OR MAIN INSERT SEND RETURN SEND 8 RETURN SEND SEND SQ·2 Features 1 GATE -50 -70 OFF dBu CLOSE 3 -20 0 -30 1.5 -10 0 +10 4 2 2.5 +20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER 5 10 81 50 100 0.3 150 0.1 200 ms 50ms sec 3 0.5 1 2 -14 -20 -6 5 CHANNEL 1 6 8 0 +6 + 14 +20 10 AIR OFF FULL 11 CHANNEL 2 12 GATE -50 -30 -15 -20 0 -30 1.5 +10 GAIN REDUCTION(dB) 30 CH 1 CH 2 CH 1 AUTO IN AUTO -70 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER -10 0 +10 AIR 1 2 -14 3 -20 dB -6 0 +6 -30 20 15 10 6 4 2 1 -15 2 2.5 5 10 81 50 100 0.3 150 0.1 0.5 ON +14 BY +10 -40 dBu 1 n:1 LIM 0. 1 CH 2 IN OFF dBu -40 dBu +20 1 n:1 LIM 0. 1 ms 200 50ms sec +20 OFF FULL dB SQ·2 POWER AUTO IN/OUT CHAN 1 IN/OUT CLOSE AUTO IN/OUT CHAN 2 IN/OUT THRESHOLD 2 THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT LEVEL THRESHOLD THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT LEVEL 7 9 FRONT PANEL FEATURES The controls for Channels 1 and 2 are the same, so these descriptions apply to both channels. 5. ATTACK This control determines how fast the compressor reacts once the threshold has been exceeded. It ranges from 0.1 ms (milliseconds) to 200 ms. If you want to use the compressor as a limiter, set the ATTACK knob to its lowest setting (0.1 ms). This way the limiter quickly catches the fast transients before they can clip the signal. Otherwise, set the ATTACK knob to a somewhat higher setting to avoid the "pumping" effect you sometimes hear when a compressor is triggered on and off frequently. GATE 1. THRESHOLD Use this control to set the point where the gate begins to attenuate the signal. It ranges from OFF (no gating action) to +10 dBu. When the signal drops below the level indicated by the knob setting, the gate "closes" and the adaptive gain reduction of the downward expander kicks in. 2. CLOSE LED This LED lights when the signal drops below the threshold and the gate "closes." It indicates that the gate is working. 6. RELEASE This determines how fast the compressor turns off once the signal falls below the threshold. It ranges from 50 ms to 3 seconds. Again, set the RELEASE knob to its lowest setting (50 ms) when using the compressor as a limiter. Otherwise, setting the RELEASE knob to a higher setting helps smooth out the compressor's action, making it less audible. COMPRESSOR/LIMITER 3. THRESHOLD This control is used to set the point where the compressor begins to attenuate the signal. It ranges from ­40 to +20 dBu. As the input level increases, the output level increases linearly until the threshold point is reached. When the signal rises above the level indicated by the THRESHOLD knob setting, the compressor begins to act on the signal and the output level no longer increases linearly. Instead it increases at a reduced rate determined by the ratio setting. 7. AUTO IN/OUT Push this switch in to bypass the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and let the SQ·2 automatically determine the optimum settings, depending on the type of signal present. When the AUTO button is pushed in, the AUTO LED below the GAIN REDUCTION Meters lights. 8. OUTPUT This control provides "make-up gain" for the compressed signal. It ranges from ­20 to +20 dB. Use this control to compensate for the loss of gain caused by the action of the compressor. For example, if you are seeing an average gain reduction on the meter of about 6 dB, turn the OUTPUT control up to +6 dB to make up for it. 4. RATIO The RATIO control determines the change in output level as a function of the change in input level, once the threshold has been crossed. It ranges from 1:1 (off) to LIM (full compression), where the compressor acts as a peak limiter and the signal stops increasing once it crosses the threshold. As an example of how the compressor works, if the RATIO is set to 2 (2:1), an increase in the input level of 10 dB results in a 5 dB increase in the output level (assuming the input signal is above the threshold level). 9. CHAN IN/OUT This is a "bypass" switch that effectively disables the gate and compressor circuits. You can use this switch to compare the processed signal to the unprocessed signal. When the CHAN IN/OUT button is pushed in, the IN LED below the GAIN REDUCTION Meters lights. 9 1 GATE -50 -70 OFF dBu CLOSE 3 -20 0 -30 1.5 -10 0 +10 4 2 2.5 +20 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER 5 10 81 50 100 0.3 150 0.1 200 ms 50ms sec 3 0.5 1 2 -14 -20 -6 5 CHANNEL 1 6 8 0 +6 + 14 +20 10 AIR 30 CH 1 CH 2 CH 1 OFF FULL 11 CHANNEL 2 12 GATE -50 -70 -30 -15 -20 0 -30 1.5 +10 GAIN REDUCTION(dB) 20 15 10 6 4 2 1 COMPRESSOR / LIMITER -10 0 +10 AIR 1 2 -14 3 -20 dB -6 0 +6 -30 -15 2 2.5 5 10 81 50 100 0.3 150 0.1 0.5 ON + 14 BY +10 -40 dBu 1 n:1 LIM 0. 1 CH 2 IN AUTO IN AUTO OFF dBu -40 dBu +20 1 n:1 LIM 0. 1 ms 200 50ms sec +20 OFF FULL dB SQ·2 POWER AUTO IN/OUT CHAN 1 IN/OUT CLOSE AUTO IN/OUT CHAN 2 IN/OUT THRESHOLD 2 THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT LEVEL THRESHOLD THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT LEVEL 7 9 AIR Filter 10. LEVEL The AIR filter is a unique feature that restores brilliance and sizzle to compressed signals. It provides a high-frequency boost to the signal after the compression stage. It ranges from OFF to FULL, where FULL provides the maximum high-frequency boost. Certain instruments such as LOOK vocals, acoustic guitars, and brass instruments have a wide dynamic range. A musician uses this dynamic CLOSER range to accentuate the "feel" of a particular section in a song. Compression is the key to balancing these dynamic signals in a live sound system so they don't jump out in the mix during hard hitting sections or get lost in the softer passages. Unfortunately, compression also tends to dull an instrument's sound, and the sound, although more balanced, loses its sparkle. The AIR filter is a high-frequency shelving filter whose amplitude varies depending on the amount of compression applied to the signal. When softly compressing the signal, the AIR filter provides very little high-frequency boost (it's not really needed). When squeezing the signal hard with compression, the AIR filter has more high-frequency boost available. This makes the AIR filter a great tool for live sound. Experiment with the AIR LEVEL control to find the best sound for the particular instrument or voice being compressed. When the signal is below the threshold and there is no compression taking place, there is no meter indication. As soon as the signal crosses the threshold and triggers the compressor, the meter LEDs begin to light from right to left, indicating more and more compression. 12. POWER Switch Use this switch to turn the SQ·2 on and off. The LED above the switch lights when the power is on. REAR PANEL FEATURES 13. Line Cord Socket and Fuse Here is where you connect the detachable line cord that came in the box with your SQ·2. Plug the other end of the line cord into an AC outlet properly configured with the voltage required for your particular model (see AC Select Switch next). The fuse is located behind the fuse cover, at the bottom of the IEC socket. See the "Troubleshooting" section on page 12 for information about replacing the fuse. 14. AC Select Switch Set this switch to the correct voltage setting for the country you are in, 115 VAC or 230 VAC. Note: The SQ·2 is shipped with the AC Select switch set to the 230 VAC position. If you are in a country that uses 100-120 VAC, remove the cover plate with a phillips-head screwdriver and set the switch to the 115 VAC position. A 315 mA fuse is used for both voltages (115V/230V). See the "Troubleshooting" section on page 12 for instructions on replacing the fuse. 11. GAIN REDUCTION Meters These 8-segment meters indicate the amount of gain reduction that is applied to the signal by the compressor. It ranges from 1 to 30 dB of gain reduction. 13 AC~120V/60Hz 14 SERIAL / DATE CODE 15 OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL 16 INPUT BAL/ UNBAL 17 SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND OUTPUT BAL/ UNBAL INPUT BAL/ UNBAL SIDE CHAIN = INPUT TIP RING = OUTPUT SLEEVE = GROUND AC FUSE T 0.315A WWW.TAPCOGEAR.COM